Commerce seeks public comments on the evaluation of a proposed connected software application

The Ministry of Commerce (DOC) is looking for public comments on a proposed amendment to the list of criteria for determining whether transactions involving information and communications technologies and services present national security risks.

The ministry proposed adding the absence of reliable third parties to assess the security of connected software applications as a potential indicator of risk in determining whether to approve the acquisition, importation and transfer of information products and services. and foreign communications, according to a notice in the Federal Register Friday.

The proposed amendment responds to a executive decree of President Biden issued in June order the federal government to review the security of connected software applications developed, manufactured and provided by individuals supported by a foreign adversary.

The department is seeking industry input on whether the additional criteria should be applied to all ICTS transaction reviews or only to those that involve connected software applications.

Commerce also wishes to determine whether the definition of connected software applications should be revised to include other means of transmission and communication devices.

Comments on the proposed rule are welcome until December 27.